ave you ever watched an instructor who makes teaching look effortless—one who draws you in so that you are involved in learning? Perhaps these instructors teach in a way that makes questions come naturally, or the new information seems to fall right into place. We’re going to examine teaching using a more craftsmanlike approach. By observing specific, replicable strategies and techniques, you will recognize how such “tricks of the trade” enhance student learning.

In the following short videos, you will see a teaching assistant use a strategy or approach that helps students (1) recall what they know or (2) organize new information. As you watch each video, ask yourself how the teaching assistant helps students achieve these goals.